The elbow is an excellent weapon to use in close range combat because of its proximity to upper body targets. It can move in many directions and still deliver a powerful strike because it is backed by the twisting force of the shoulder and hips. While commonly used for striking, it also can be used for pushing in combination with a takedown.
The elbow moves on a horizontal or vertical plane. When traveling on a horizontal plane, force is created by twisting the body. The forearm or upper parts of the elbow are used for horizontal impact. When traveling on a vertical plane force is maximized by using gravity and body weight. The vertical strikes concentrated into the bony point of the elbow to create a precise and painful impact.
In both cases, the force of the elbow strike is originating from the large triangle created by the fist, elbow and shoulder at the start of the movement. As the elbow strike is executed, the triangle becomes smaller and smaller until it is tightly formed at the point of impact.
For example, when starting a horizontal hook, you open your shoulder and angle your elbow at about ninety degrees. As you approach the target, your shoulder begins to close and your fist and shoulder come closer together. By the time you reach the target, your fist and shoulder are touching and your hips and shoulders have rotated one hundred and eighty degrees.
This process uses many forces (elbow, shoulders, hip and fist) in conjunction with each other to make the elbow a devastating weapon.
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